USA > Ohio > Mercer County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 105
USA > Ohio > Van Wert County > History of Van Wert and Mercer counties, Ohio, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 105
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DR. A. J. LININGER
was born in Mansfield, Ohio, Aug. 7. 1842, and at the age of ten years was brought to this county, when his parents settled in Centre Town- ship, where his father died in 1878. He remained at his father's about four years after coming to this county, when he left home and changed about for some years. On Nov. 26, 1-61, he entered the army as private in Company A, in which he served until Dec. 6, 1864. In 198-9 he graduated from the Medical College of Cleveland, since which time h. has practised his profession at Mendon, except during about six months spent in Van Wert. He married Maria J. Morrow, of Hopewell Town- ship, in Jan. 1862. Their family consists of four children, writed, respectively, Win. Franklin, Bella Tona, Charlie Elden, and Harry Clans. ton. In the spring of the present year ( 15%) , the Doctor purchased the new hotel building at Mention, which he has furnished and opened tothe public, thus adding another feature to the growing interests of the ton The " Union House" will supply oue want of the town, and the p ... prietor fully understands the demands of his business.
CHRISTIAN MAURER,
an extensive farmer on the west limits of Mendon, was born November 29, 1329, at Wittenberg. Germany, and at the age of sixteen caute lo Ohio and settled in Tuscarawas County, where he lived until 1551. when he came here and located on present home-farm. In Iot- he non ried Vrouick Morbaugh, who was born in Switzerland, but came to the country when thirteen years of age, at which tone her parents settled in Tu-carawas County, Ohio. Mr. Maurer's first entry of land compri ... 122 acres, while he now owns AIS acres. The family consists of five children, named Elizabeth, Susan, Mary, Lydia, and John. Ehzgati is married to Frederic High, and Mary to Win. Teagle.
RES. OF CHRISTIAN MAURER , MENDON , UNION TWP. MERCER CO. OHIO.
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
G. W. WooDIN
was born in Mitt!in County, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1839. In 1846 he came to Cincinnati with his stepfather, but two years later came to Neptune, where he learned the Marksmith trade, at which he worked until he entered the military service, in Company D. 71st O. V. I., Orto- ber 19, 1861. He remained in the service until mustered ont. December 16, 1564, when he returned home, and at once located at Mendon, where he still works at his old trade. He married Sarah A. Rathbun, of this county, but a native of Pennsylvania, Their family numbered six children, of whom tive are still living. Their names are as follows : John R., George N., Ettie Dora, Ella. Louis (deceased), and Libbie.
Mr. Woodin is an industrions, hard-working man, and besides enjoy- ing life-for he sees it at its happiest-he has seenred a pleasant home for himself and family, a view of which appears elsewhere in this volume.
JOHN BEVAN
was born in Wales in February, 1939. About 1840 his parents come to Pittsburgh, but the next year came on to Cincinnati, where they re- mained until 1860, when they moved to Gallia County, and six years later to fronton, Ohio, where his father still resides. Our subject re- mained in Gallia County until Oet. 16, 1861, when he entered the military service, in which he continued until May 6, 1866. Daring the last two years he was quarter-master sergeant, belonging to Company E, Fifty- sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After leaving the army he returned to Ironton, where he remained until July, 1868, when he came to Meudon and opened a drug store, in which business he is still engaged. He was married in March, 1867, to Anna Price. They have three children, named Maggie, Elizabeth, and Leah.
JOHN A. MURLIN
was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, October 21, 1843, and came to this State in 1853. During the last nine years has been engaged in mer- cantile pursuits, having done business about seven years at Deep Cut, part of which time he was in partnership with J. Il. Dunathan. He then retired to his farm about two years, when he again entered business in Mendon, where he is now engaged in the clotuing, hat and cap, and boot and shoe trade. 'In December. Ist1, he entered the military ser- vice as private in Company E, 46th O. V. L., and bore a captain's com- mission at the time of his discharge. in July, 1865. In Ison be married Isabelle Hamilton, of this county. Their family consists of five etil- dren, named Enola, Saloam, Aura, Raymond, and Walter.
MICHAEL MILLER,
one of the carly settlers of the township, as elsewhere shown, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, July, 1521, and came here in November, 1x29, . his parents being both dead. For some time after coming here he made his home at George Wilson's, another pioneer from Fayette. When he became niueteen years old he went to Win. Hamilton's, where he made his home about four years. He was married April 6. 1>45, to Mary A. Shepherd, of this township. His children were named I. P., Amanta A. (deceased), George M .. Mary C., Sitas E., and James E. ( deceased ). Those who are still living are married and settled in this community.
I. B. ROBBINS
· was born in present limits of Auglaize County, November 12, 1×38. In the spring of 1966 he moved to Allen County, where he lived until 1869, when he came to this township. In Is;6 he turned his attention to the breeding of short-horn cattle, in which business he is still engaged. "He was married in May, 1866, to Jennie M. Hussey, of this township. Their children number four, and are named Harry, Josie, Charlie, and Lewis. He served as captain of Company E. H th O. V. L., from July, 1862, to July, 1865, under an enlistment for " three years, or during the war," and by something of a coincidence his discharge bears date exactly three years after date of enlistment.
LUCIE'S HAMILTON
was born in this township April 2. 1825, and has lived here all his life. He was married Feb. 9. Isto, to Mary E. Miller, who was formerly of Miami County, O. Their family consists of eight children, all living. They are named, Henry O., Marcus A., Ida M., Almira L., Ellen Ri., Flora B., Mary A,, and Cora E.
J. M. HUSSEY
was born in Highland County, Ohio, July 25, 1929, and came to this township in 1839 with his parents, who settled on the Robbins farm. In 1864 Le married Mi-s C. Porcins, formerly of Miami County, Ohm, The family consisted of the following . mand cial tron : Arthur W., Ed- gar P., Win. J., Walter (deceased), Alice, and Nota.
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CHRISTIAN WERTZ,
an old settler of this township, enme here from Montgomery County. Ohio, in 1-37. He was born in Pennsylvania, February 8, 1808, and was brought to Proble County, Ohio, when six months old. After coming to this township he worked at the potter trade for some years, but eventually purchased land and turued his attention to farming. ile was married in 1832 to Mary Neighty, of Proble County, Ohio. They have raised six children, named Nelson, Elizabeth, William, Peter, David, and Albert. These are all away from home, the only person living with the old folks being Florence Green, an adopted daughter.
G. G. PARROTT
was born in Fayette County, Ohio, October 28, 1828. In 1840 he went to Jowa; ten years later to Oregon, and the next year to California. In 1x36 he returned from the Pacific coast, and settled in this town-hip. He served as private in Company K, 156th O. V. 1., from May to Au- gust, 1×64. In is57 he married Rachel E. Hussey, who died in May, 1865. In March, 1867, he married Susan Gilliland, of Van Wert County. His Busily by his first wife consisted of Denton C., Marietta (deceased), and Laura, and by last wife, Milton A., David A., and Margaret L.
JOHN CUSTER
was born March 23, 1823, in Warren County, Ohio, and brought here by the removal of his parents when about three years of age, when they settled in Dublin Township. He moved to this township in 150, settling first at Mendon, where he worked at the blacksmith trade about eleven years, when he moved to the farm. He served as private in Company K. One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In 1$49 he mar- ried Elizabeth Mathers, who died some years later. Again be married Tabitha C. Rider, who is still living. His children are named Alexander S., Mary Ellen, Minerva Emma, and Oliver E.
THOMAS PALMER
was born in Miami County, O., March 4, 1819, and came to the farm where he now lives in 1832. After twenty years spent here he went across the plains to California in 1852, where he spent five years in Eldorado County. ten years in Nevada County, and eight years in Placer County, being ocenipied all the time in mining and lumbering. On his return he was able to come by rail, the Pacific road being then con- structed. When his father came to this conaty he bought 7 10 acres of land, but the farm now comprises 800 acres, being occupied by our sub- ject and his brother Joseph and sister Huida, three children of their father's family being dead, named Permelia, Jolm, and Benjamin.
THOMAS UPTON,
one of the early settlers of the township, was born on Feb. 19, 1810. in Greene County, Ky., but his parents moved to Hardia County when he was about four years old. While yet unmarried he came to this town- ship, and after teaching and working here some time returned to Ken- tucky in 1438 and married Margaret Shepherd March 21. 1:3. when he came back and settled on section 35. His wife died Jane 20, 1945. and on Nov. 7. 1816, he married Mehitabel Rider, who is still living. His children by first marriage were named, Cicero, Mary, Angelin. . Quintili, and Margaret Jane. Tuose by present wife: Sarah M., Jane, Thomas E., and Maria.
FRANK S. COLLINS
was born in Shanesville, Nov. 25. 1952, and has lived in the county all his life. During the past two years he has been engaged in the hardware business in Mendon. Previous to entering this business he had lived on his farm about two years, which followed three years devoted to the dry- goods trade. He is now in the hardware trade with H. A. W. Collins. He was married in January, 1873, to Miss H. E. Marlin, of Auglaize County. They have but one child, naunul Maude I.
II. A. W. ConLINs
was born in Mercer, December 6, 1839. After leaving home he first entered the grocery business at Mendon, but in ISGT went West, and changed about during a period of twelve years, when he returned and entered the hardware business with Frank S. Collins at Mendon, in which he is still engaged. In October, Ist, he entered military service as private in Company D, 71st O. V. I., from which he was discharged in December, 1864.
IRA Cisco
was born in Shelby County, Ohio, May 10, 1497, and came to this town- ship about the year 1855. In 1549 he married Miss Mertha Small. Their family consists of four children, named Emeline H., Rosetta B., Lewis, and Elizabeth.
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
J. W. DUTTON
was born in Miami County, Ohio, November 3, 1833, and was brought here by his parents while he was yet less than a year old. He has been engaged here as farmer, merchant, and real estate dealer all his life. In January, Is56, he married Elizabeth Chevington, who died soon after, and he married again January 5, 1559, Sarah Grant. They have five chil- dren living, named Sophronia ( Belle), Elizabeth, Win. E., Thomas W., and Pearl Eola.
J. P. PATTERSON
was born in Madison County. O., Feb. 26, 1836, and was brought to Centre Township by the removal of his parents when about six months old. Shortly afterwards they came to Union Township, where Mr. P. still resides. He was married Jan. 1, 1860, to Orlida Northup, of Lorain County, O. Their children are, Maggie, Belle, Charlie, and an infant son. He served as a private in Company K, 88th O. V. I., from June 30, 1863, to July 4, 1865.
JOHN UPTON
belongs to the class of early settlers who came here from Hardin County, Ky., in 1833. He was born in Kentucky May 17. 1824. In 1>53 or '54 he settled where he now resides, on the road leading from Mendon to Deep Cut. He married Martha A. Hussey, of this township. Nov. 7. 1×50. Their family numbered the following named children : Viola .J., Elmore G., Ida May, Lucretia Etta, Minnie A .. Eunice Emma, William . E., Thomas E., Winnie Lee, and Athelia (dec'i).
JOHN EDGE
was born in Fayette County December 15, 1815, and in 1836 came to this township, settling on section 15. but in 1850 moved to section 23, where he now lives. He married Mary Ann Emanuel January 19. 1>36. They raised two children, named Mary E. and Rachel E. His wife died in November, Ises, and August 2, 1869, he married Sarah F. Edge, who is still living. Her children by a former marriage were named Granville F. and Edwin Ellsworth Edge.
JOHN R. FRYER
was born in Wayne County, O., Sept. 21, 1842. and brought bere when six months old, since which he has been a permanent resident. He was mar- ried Dee. 14, 1864, 10 Hannah Griffin. Their children are: Charles, Frankie, and Ida. He served as private in Company E, 46th O. V. I., from Nov. ISGI to Jan. 1SG3, when he was discharged on account of wounds received at Pittsburg Landing, where he was captured and hekl in prison seven months.
IIvan HAMILTON
was born in this township May 16, 1832. his father being one of the early settlers. He was married Jan. 3, 1557, to Angeline Dobson, of Auglaize County. Their children are named, Allison, Marietta, and Joseph H. Mr. H. served in the army as corporal of Company K. asth O. V. I., from June 30, 1563, to July 3, 1865. He is an enterprising and influen- tial citizen of the township, and is now a member of the Board of Trustees.
JOHN PRICE
was born in Wales, and came to this country and settled at Newark, Ohio. From there he came to this township in 1838. His son, J. J. Price, was born at Steubenville, Ohio. August 15, 1922, and came here with his parents. He was married April 22, 1850, to Louisa Tracy. of Licking County. Their children are Basil T., John W., Mary Ellen, Elizabeth C., Lucius W., Sarah J., Isaac V., Orion (dee'd), and Lydia (dec'd).
HICon L. HAMILTON
was born in Centre Township, October 20, 1%15. In April, 1577. he moved to this township, where he still resides. He was married Otto- ber 23, 1-66, to Lydia Patterson. Their family consists of three sons Aud three daughters. Mr. Hamilton was in military service from Feb- ruary 14 to August 10, 1865.
JOHN SMALL
was born in Montgomery County, O., in 1831. While yet young he came to Shelby County. O., and from there to this township in 1>53. He was married July 2. 1:57. His children are named, Fideles E., Louis C., Appellus, Ensell Wade, Alonzo, and Ella.
HENRY CISCO
was born in Butler County Nov. 18, 1823, and came to Shelby County while young, and finally to this township in Is5t. Married m IstD to Catharine Small of Shelby County. Their einfren are: Abram, Wil- ham, Annie, Frances E., and P'erry.
SAMUEL WENGER
came to this township in 1854. He was born in Switzerland in 1832, and came to this country when twenty-two years of age. His wife was Catharine Carroll. Of their children, three are living and two dend. named as follows: Ada Maria, Emma M., Reuben E., Jacob (deeri). and Mary (dee'd).
HENRY CLAY
came here from Wayne County in 1840. When about six months okl he had been brought from Cumberland County, Pa., where he was born May 17, 1826. In 1857 he married Sarah Ann Yocum, of Wayne County. 0: Their children are named Mary E., Stephen A., William P., Emma J., and Eva, all of whom are living.
J. W. PRESHO
came here as early as 1836, since which he has been a permanent resident. He was born in Ontario County, N. Y., March 29, 1939. He served as private in Company K, 156th O. V. L., from May 2 to Sept. 1864. In Sept. 1556 he married Emily Rider. Their children are named Martha, Alonzo, and Francis. Mr. P. has served as justice of the peace since 187 ?.
HI. II. HUSSEY
was born in Highland County, O., Sept. 24, 1833, but was brought to this town-hip by his parents before he was a year old. He has resided here all his life, and is an extensive farmer. He married Sarah E. Shop. herd Sept. 4, 1855. They have reared a family of six children, named, Albertus C., Eva, Solon, Elroy, Cora, and Samuel.
J. II. COIL
is an old resident of the township. having been born here Nov. 6, 1832. He was married at the age of twenty to Sarah Shearer, also of this town- ship. Their children were named, Andrew, Sarah E., John, Catharine. Jacob, Edwin, Henry, and William. His wife died in Ist1, and he has since married Susan Krugh, who is still living.
J. Il. PARROTT
was born in this township November 10, 1840, and has lived here all his life. In 1862 he married Miss C. T. Randabaugh. Their family num- bers five children, named Ellen, Emma, Oscar, Alfred, and Etta. Mr. Parrott served as private in Company K, 156th O. V. I., from May to August, 1864.
DUBLIN TOWNSHIP.
Dublin Township lies on the north line of the county, and is bounded east by Union, south by Hopewell, and west by Black Creek townships. and has an area of thirty-six square miles. It was organized June 1. 1824. It is crossed by the St. Marys River, which flows from the east side by a wishing course to the northwest part of the township. The soil is of the same fertile character as the whole north part of the county, and is very largely cultivated. The T. D. and B. Narrow Gauge R. R. passes from its crossing of the east line of the townshep to Shane's Crossing, which is its present western terminons, although the present year will probably see this branch of the road carried for- ward to the village of Willshire, in Van Wert County, where it will in. terseet the main east and west line of the road. Passing through the village of Mercer, the road tarne south, crosses the south line of the township, and passes on to Dayton by Celma, thus forming the man north and south line of the road, extending from Toledo to Dayton The township has thus two railroad towns, Shane's Crossing being on east and west division of the road, while Mercer is at the junction of this division and the main line running north and south.
Early Settlement.
During the War of 1512 several Indians had lodges about the present site of Shane's Crossing, among these being Anthony Shane, Louis Godfrey, Crescent, Latedie, and Rushville. There were also others who had land assigned them after the land sales of the " northwest. These Indians were always friendly, and rendered every possible service to the government. Reservations or grants of land were made to sev. eral of these Indians near the present village of Shame's Crossh Among these was a grant of one section of land on the banks of the s: Marys River at Shand's Crossing, to Anthony Shane ; ex section of land on the north side of the St. Mary's River, above the reservation of Sbane, to Louis Godfrey; one section on the north side of the st. Mary -.
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RES. OF DR. W. C. COLE, UNION TWP, MERCER CO. OHIO.
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HISTORY OF VAN WERT AND MERCER COUNTIES, OHIO.
and below the section granted to the Crescent, to the chief. Charlie ; one section on the St. Marys, below the section granted to Charlie, to Peter Labadie; and to Alexander T. Godfrey and Richard Godfrey, adopted children of the Potawatamie tribe, one section of the tract coded to the United States by the Potawatomies, Ottawas, and Chip- pewas. This being the special request of Alexander and Richard, they were given the right to choose and locate said section of land within said ceded tract, after a survey should be made, This choice and loca- tion was afterward made within the present limits of Dublin Township. These lands have all since passed into the hands of the whites, either by gift of purchase. L. G. Roebuck was given a tract of land by God- frey because of his being a namesake. The remainder of the Godfrey grant was purchased by Wm. B. Hodges, one of the earliest permanent settlers of this section. Hedges was elerking for a Frenchman named Madore, who had established a trading-post at Shane's Crossing, which was the first store of any kind in the township. The first white settle- ment was made in 1819, immediately after the cession of lands under the treaty of St. Marys. Among the first settlers, or those who came in 1819 and 1820, were Win. B. and John P. Hedges, from Kentucky. John P. afterward married the daughter of an Indian chief, and settled at Fort Wayne. Win. B. married the daughter of John Graves, who had come from Athens County, Ohio. About the same date came Dr. Lilley, Samuel Lilley, Jonathan Antonides, Auson Godard and sons, John and Ebenezer; John, Ruch, and Benjamin Roebuck; Michael Har ner, Samuel Harrison, Win. Baker, John Van Gundy. John Sutton, Jolm Chevington, Peter Edsall, Calvin Denison. Isaiah Duncan, Joseph Grier, and Jacob Baker. In 1821-2, David Hays, Joseph Henkle, Time- othy Green, and Col. A. R. Hunter moved here, and settled on or near Shane's Prairie. This prairie is a tract about six miles east and west and four miles north and south along the St. Marys River, within the present limits of Dublin Township. Of other early settlers we may mention David Work, John Lilley, Joel Wood, and J. W. Stoker. Coming here, those carly settlers found Anthony Shane on his reserva- tion, occupying a double log-house on the north side of the river, a short distance from the present site of Shane's Crossing. Here he made something of an improvement, and remainel until 1832, when he accom- panied the Shawnees to Kansas as a government agent. Other Indians also occupied lodges upon the reservations within the township. Ma- dore, the French trader, was here trading with the Indians, and ready to trade with the settlers on their arrival. Win. B. Heges became a clerk in this trading-post, for which the goods were obtained at Piqua, being transported by wagon to St. Mary's, and thence by water to Shane's Crossing. Heriges afterward served as county commissioner and surveyor, and was justice of the peace for many years. David Work opened a tonnery on his arrival. and afterward did a large busi- ness. Win. Baker was the pioneer blacksmith, and worked on the farm now owned by John Shelleuberger, John W. Stoker was one of the early mail carriers between Pigna and Fort Wayne, and often passed over the route on foot .carrying the mail on his back. Drs. Tippie and Budd were the earliest physicians of the town. Joseph Green taught the first term in district No. 2, and was paid by subscription. Lovinski Cireassian Ninham, an Indian who was educated by Abraham Shingle- decker, Sr., for the ministry, taught a school northeast of Shane's Crossing.
Louis Godfrey, who obtained a reservation here, lived on the north bank of the St. Marys, in the Indian village " Old Town," located about one and a half miles up the river from Shane's Crossing. Shanesville was the first town laid out in the county.
Explanation of the plat of the town of Shanesville, laid out on land granted by the United States to Anthony Shane, on the St. Mary's River. Main Street runs due north and south from the south side of the lots to Front Street, and is five poles wide. Franklin Street runs the same direction south to Front Street, and is three and one half poles wide, etc. etc.
In testimony whereof, Anthony Shane hath hereunto set his hand and seal as proprietor of said town, this twenty-third (23) day of June, 1x20. A. SHANE.
Signed in the presence of JOHN BEERS.
The State of Ohio, Darke County : Before me, the undersigned, a jus- tice of the peace within and for said county. JOHN BEERS, J. P.
This town and Willshire were the first towns located and occupied in this part of the State after the founding of Piqua. Lima, Van Wert, Sidney, Kenton, Findlay, and Ottawa, all seats of justice in their respee- tive counties, are of more recent origin. Among those who first entered land on Shane's prairie may be mentioned Isaac Coil, John and Jesse MeChristy, Johan K. Exams, EH Compton and son Elcha, Brewster. Trei- Jis, Updyke, and Hotchner. Sunth H. Clark and wife also came here at an early day. Of the early settlers it may be said, they came for the most part from Ross, Warren, and Athens counties, Ohio, and from Ken- tucky. Many of these were natives of New York and other Lastern States.
Incidents.
The first term of court held in Mercer County was convened at Shanes- ville, by Judge Low and associate Judges James Wolcott, Joseph Grier. and Thomas Scott. Judge Wolcott at this time lived at Wiltshire. having married a daughter of Captain Win. Wells, an officer in the army of General Wayne. Captain Wells had married a sister of the celebrated chief Little Turtle, which, associated with the fact that Judge Wolcott married a woman who was part Inban, is probably the origin and founda- tion of the report that the judge was himself of Indian descent. This is the statement of fuet as made by one who was personally acquainted with the judge in 1×25 and 1826.
Marriage -The first marriage was undoubtedly that of James Duncan and Sarah Roebuck, as they belonged in this township, although the ceremony was not performed here. The reason for this was good enough. as there were no ministers in the township. They therefore started on foot to Wapakoneta, and were married by the Quaker missionary, I-aar Harvey. On their return they were overtaken by the shades of night, and on discovering an abandoned Indian hut, near the present town of Kossuth, they entered it, and coneluded to pass the night. Having his gun with him, James kopt watch during the night that the wolves might not approach to harm the fair sleeper within the hat. The next day their travel way retarded by the condition of the road, or rather trail, and they were obliged to camp out the following night, somewhere he- tween the sites of Mercer and Meudon. This time Sarah took the rille and acted as sentinel during the night, while James, much exhausted by the walk, and wakefulness of the preceding night, enjoyed a sound night's sleep. We know some of our older readers with say such things do not occur to-day, but that the young folks must either travel by carriage or rail; and they are right. But will they assume those " good old times" are preferable to the better times we now enjoy ? Had they thought so. the forest would still be here, and the early settlers would have spared themselves much labor and pain. They however worked and labored on for the benefit of their posterity, and may be congratulated upon their success, while those who still survive may rejoice to see their children enjoying, as common comforts, such things as in those days were luxu- ries beyond the reach of all.
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